The weekly Sandton Times Hour is a Sandton magazine show that brings the wanted online pages of The Sandton Times to life.
- Lew Geffen, Chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty South Africa talks about his new book, ‘Soul Mandate: The Extraordinary Life of A Property Maverick’.
- The Maslow Hotel in Sandton has a new man heading up the kitchen, Executive Chef Ofentse Morake, who shares his life journey and passion for cooking.
- Charles Mhango, Head of Operations for Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa provides an overview of the inaugural Uber Eats Merchant Awards 2023.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to Africa’s richest square mile, this Sandton magazine show is packed with an array of entertaining and informative interviews blended with the best music, every week on Mix 93.8, Mondays at 7pm.
The Sandton Times offers readers all they ever wanted online, and The Sandton Times Hour is the go-to weekly magazine show broadcast from greater Sandton. The Sandton magazine show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business and so much more beyond the borders of greater Sandton. In 2023, the radio show and podcast was selected by Feedspot panellists at #15 on a ranking of Top 40 South Africa Podcasts on the web.
In this week’s show [Edition 135 | Week 43] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
‘Soul Mandate: The Extraordinary Life of A Property Maverick’ With Chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty South Africa Lew Geffen
In the fast-paced world of real estate, few individuals stand out as true mavericks. Lew Geffen, Chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty South Africa, is undoubtedly one of them. His journey, chronicled in his new book, ‘Soul Mandate: The Extraordinary Life of A Property Maverick’, is a captivating tale of determination, audacity, and a touch of unpredictability.
Lew’s foray into the real estate industry began in 1972, marking the commencement of a career that would shape the landscape of South Africa’s property market. His tenacity and triumphs at the flagship operation in greater Johannesburg, established in 1982, laid the foundation for the national brand we know today—with an impressive network of 65 offices across the country.
Beyond the numbers and business triumphs, Lew’s narrative is peppered with anecdotes that reflect the vibrancy of his character. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, including being fired by his own mother—an unexpected twist that only adds to the legend of Lew Geffen. From selling Nelson Mandela’s house to navigating the aftermath of a murder at his company’s annual convention, Lew’s life story is a roller-coaster of highs and lows.
Lew’s role extends beyond the realm of Sotheby’s International Realty. As a non-executive director and shareholder of ooba, a prominent mortgage bond origination company in South Africa, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry.
Managing his flagship operation under the banner of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, he brings a personal touch to a market where transactions often seem impersonal.
In the pages of ‘Soul Mandate’, readers are treated to Lew’s life story with candour, warmth, and a healthy dose of his wicked sense of humour. A true property maverick, Lew Geffen’s journey is an inspiration and a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that await those with the audacity to chase their dreams in the world of real estate.
New Executive Chef At The Maslow Hotel Sandton Ofentse Morake
For Ofentse Morake, the newly appointed Executive Chef at The Maslow, Sandton, food is not just a profession; it’s a celebration of family, friends, and the joy of coming together around a table. At 35, Morake’s culinary journey began with the influence of his six aunts, sparking a curiosity that led him to turn his passion into a career.
After a brief stint in the United Kingdom and a detour from university, Morake pursued an International Professional Chefs Diploma through Capsicum Culinary Studio. His culinary adventure took him to the Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida, where he worked under Chef Dan Vargo, his first mentor. Under Vargo’s guidance, Morake learned dedication, attention to detail, and the importance of always having a notebook on hand. His passion for excellence in culinary arts reached a pinnacle when a Johannesburg restaurant he co-owned was named in the prestigious Eat Out Top 100 Restaurants.
His approach to food is simple yet profound—source the freshest, most seasonal ingredients and prepare them in clever and interesting ways. Morake believes that a good meal should engage all the senses, from sight to smell and taste.
As he takes the helm at The Maslow, Morake plans to introduce changes to the Lacuna Bistro and Bar menu, infusing a Modern Mediterranean style with more sharing options. Inspired by his recent trip to Italy, he envisions dishes that showcase simplicity, using slow-cooking techniques to bring out the brilliance of comfort food uniquely tailored to The Maslow.
His love for grilling over hot coals and a self-confessed addiction to fire make Morake a chef who embraces bold flavors. However, he keeps his culinary preferences grounded, sticking to what he calls ‘the holy trinity of the kitchen’ – garlic, onions, and chili. While he may indulge in adventurous culinary creations, Morake draws the line at exotic meats like lion or crocodile, preferring the comfort of more familiar ingredients.
Beyond the kitchen, Morake’s dedication extends to the well-being of his staff. His first task as Executive Chef involved updating the staff canteen menus, recognizing that happy staff contributes to elevated service levels for the hotel’s guests.
As Morake navigates his culinary journey at The Maslow, it’s evident that his love for food goes beyond the professional realm. For him, each dish is a testament to the joy of gathering, the warmth of family, and the essence of creating memorable moments around a shared table.
Uber Eats Merchant Awards 2023 With Head Of Operations For Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa Charles Mhango
In a celebration of excellence within the South African retail and hospitality industry, Uber Eats recently hosted its inaugural Merchant Awards, an event held at The Roof in Bryanston, Sandton. This ground-breaking gathering brought together industry leaders, partners, and esteemed guests to honour outstanding restaurants and non-food merchants on the Uber Eats platform.
The event was not just a showcase of talent; it invited the public to participate by nominating their favourite local merchants from across the country through the Uber Eats app. The response was overwhelming, with 50 nominees competing across 18 categories. As the ceremony unfolded, the winners emerged, each one recognized for their exceptional contributions within their respective categories.
The pinnacle of the evening was the ‘Merchant of the Year’ award, presented to KIMCHI, a small business in Cape Town. KIMCHI’s consistent excellence in food quality, customer service, and innovation earned them not only the prestigious title but also a generous prize from Uber Eats, including a R100’000 promotional offer and other perks that will undoubtedly elevate their presence on the app.
Other winners included New York Bagels, securing the ‘Highest Ratings’ award, and AA Sushi in Johannesburg, claiming the title for ‘Best Customer Availability.’ Blue Bottle Liquors took home the ‘2023 Delivery Choice’ award in Gauteng, highlighting the growing significance of alcohol delivery on the Uber Eats platform.
Nakampe Molewa, General Manager for Uber Eats, Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted Uber Eats’ commitment to nurturing and promoting the growth of the South African hospitality and retail industry.
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- Ndlovu Youth Choir – Waka Waka
- Ndlovu Youth Choir – Shosholoza Feat. Kaunda Ntunja
- Ndlovu Youth Choir – World In Union
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